The field will compete in 207 medal events in what will be the first major international gathering since the London 2012 Paralympic Games, while the world will watch on as media and broadcasters from 25 countries - including host broadcaster France 4 - provide coverage from July 19 to 28.

The United States will have the largest delegation of 76 athletes, followed by Russia with 66.

Last summer's Games host nation Britain will bring a 48-strong team, while 35 athletes will represent 2016 Paralympics hosts Brazil.

London 2012 and 2011 World Championships medal table toppers China will arrive with a squad of 24 athletes.


"I'm delighted that Lyon 2013 is on course to be a record breaking World Championships as it is important that the sport builds on the success of last year's Paralympic Games," Ed Warner, Sport Technical Committee chairperson of IPC Athletics, said.

"Compared to the last World Championships in 2011 we have 19 additional countries coming to Lyon and about 150 more athletes making this the biggest IPC Athletics event to date.

"I'm also pleased that many countries that sent just one or two athletes to previous events are now sending five or six underlining the growing strength in depth across the world.

"Lyon 2013 marks the start of the road to Rio and the 2016 Paralympic Games and I am confident that all those who competed in London last year will raise the bar of their performances even higher while a number of new athletes will break on to the scene."

The last IPC Athletics World Championships took place in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2011 and featured just over 1,000 athletes from 80 countries.

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